Patriot Assistance Dogs Help Vets - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

After serving their country, soldiers face another challenge when they come back home, adjusting to normal life.

A Detroit Lakes program is helping soldiers with PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The help doesn't really come from counselors or even humans, instead it comes from four legged friends.

Wherever Craig Lia goes, Mason is by his side. "He goes to restaurants with me, grocery stores, the VA hospital," said Retired Sgt. 1st Class Lia.

Mason is a patriot assistance dog. He's trained to help veterans suffering from psychiatric problems. "With him there by my side, he keeps me grounded," Lia said.

Lia was in the army for 20 years. He served tours in Kuwait, Kosovo and Iraq. "We were out there everyday on the road, patrolling villages and roads," he said. A hard mission, and when it ended, life didn't get easier. "It was a lot of anxiety in every day life whether it be driving or walking down the street, I had a lot of anger issues," Lia said.

But then he applied and was accepted into the Patriot Assistance Dogs Program. Lia was paired with Mason. "He's my companion," Lia said. Mason wakes Lia up from nightmares and calms his nerves. "I'll feel his cold nose in the middle of the night right in my face or my ear," he said.

Lucky Dog Boarding and Training Center Owner, Linda Wiedewitsch, started up the program, which involves dogs that were donated, rescued or surrendered.  "Dogs love us back unconditionally," she said.  "It's really a win-win situation when we can rescue a dog and the dog can help rescue the veteran." Giving dogs a new home and veterans a second chance at life.

For more information on the Patriot Assistance Dogs Program, visit www.patriotassistancedogs.org or call 218-847-4100.